System and method for pivotably securing display housing to computer system

ABSTRACT

A computer having a base and a display. The display is pivotable relative to the base. The computer has a securing mechanism that pivotably secures the display to the base. The securing mechanism produces a force that opposes pivotal motion of the display. The securing mechanism also has a clutch operator that is operable to prevent the force from opposing the pivotal motion of the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/837,183 filed on Apr.18, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,456, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer systems. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a system and method forpivotably securing a display to a base of a computer system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The typical notebook computer has a base that houses most of theelectronics and a display enclosure that houses a display. The base istypically placed on a flat surface to operate the notebook computer. Thebase and display enclosure are hinged so that the display can be pivotedrelative to the base to a desired viewing position. To stow thecomputer, the display is pivoted so that the display enclosure and baseare folded against one another to protect the display during movement ofthe computer. One or more latches are used to hold the display and basein the stowed position. A two-step process typically is followed toplace the computer in operation from the stowed position. First, thelatches are operated to enable the display enclosure to be pivoted and,second, the display is pivoted to a desired position. Latch mechanisms,however, tend to be small features that protrude from the displayenclosure. Consequently, they can be easily damaged due to handling.

Additionally, the display enclosure hinges often incorporate frictionclutches that require significant force applied by the user to pivot thedisplay enclosure. The friction holds the display enclosure in thedesired angular position during operation. As the display panels havebecome increasingly larger, the amount of force required to maintain adisplay in a desired position has increased. Depending on the weight andsize of the base, the user may need to hold the base down with one handwhile pivoting the display enclosure with the other hand to ensure thebase is not lifted from the surface on which it is resting.

Therefore, a need exists for a simpler technique for securing apivotable display to a base. Specifically, a need exists for a techniquethat securely maintains a pivotable display in a desired angularposition while also enabling the display to be pivoted easily whendesired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer having abase and a display is featured. The display is pivotable relative to thebase over a range of motion. The computer has a securing mechanism thatpivotably secures the display to the base. The securing mechanismutilizes a portion that produces an opposing force to pivotal motion ofthe display throughout a range of motion. The securing mechanism alsohas a device operable to prevent the assembly from opposing pivotalmotion of the display housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an assembly forpivotably securing a computer display to a computer base unit isfeatured. The assembly has a hinge mechanism to enable the computerdisplay to pivot relative to the computer base unit. The assembly alsohas an opposition member that produces a force to oppose pivotal motionof the display. Also, a clutch is operable to prevent the oppositionmember from opposing pivotal motion of the display.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method ofoperating a computer system is featured. The computer system has a baseunit, a pivotable display, and a device that produces a frictional forceto oppose pivotable motion of the display. The method comprisesoperating a clutch assembly to reduce the frictional force opposingpivotable motion of the display. The method also comprises pivoting thedisplay to a desired position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereafter be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote likeelements, and:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a notebook computer, according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the notebook computer of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken generally along line 4—4 of FIG.3, illustrating an electrically operated clutch for a hinge assemblyoperating in a high-friction mode;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 3,illustrating an electrically operated clutch for a hinge assemblyoperating in a low-friction mode;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanically operated clutch for ahinge assembly operating in a high-friction mode; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanically operated clutch for ahinge assembly operating in a low-friction mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally to FIG. 1, a block diagram is illustrated depictingan exemplary computer system, generally designated by the referencenumeral 10. The computer system 10 may be any of a variety of differenttypes, such as a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a workstation,etc.

Computer system 10 comprises a processor 12 to control the function ofthe computer. Computers also typically require a power supply 14. Thepower supply 14 of, for example, a notebook computer typically uses arechargeable battery to enable the computer to be portable. Variousadditional devices are usually coupled to the processor 12, depending onthe desired functions of the device 10. For instance, a user interface16 may be coupled to the processor 12 to allow an operator to controlsome or all of the functions of the computer. Examples of userinterfaces include a keyboard, a mouse, or a joystick. A monitor 18 isused to allow an operator to view visual information generated by thecomputer. A communications port 20 may be coupled to processor 12 toenable the computer 10 to communicate with peripheral devices 22, suchas a modem, a printer, or another computer.

Software programming is typically used to control the operation of aprocessor and this software programming is typically stored inelectronic memory. There are several different types of electronicmemory available for use in computers. For example, the processor 12 maybe coupled to volatile memory 24. Volatile memory may include dynamicrandom access memory (DRAM) and/or static random access memory (SRAM).The processor 12 also can be coupled to non-volatile volatile memory 26.Non-volatile memory 26 may include a read only memory (ROM), such as anEPROM, to be used in conjunction with the volatile memory. Also, thenon-volatile memory 26 may comprise a high capacity memory such as adisk or tape drive memory.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, an exemplary portable computer 28, e.g.,a notebook computer, having a base 30 and a display enclosure 32 isillustrated. The base 30 houses a processor, memory, and otherelectronic components to enable the computer to operate. Additionally,the base houses a keyboard 34 and a mouse pad 36. The display enclosure32 houses a display 38, such as a flat screen. Display 38 is pivotallysecured to base 30 so that the display 38 may be pivoted to a desiredangular position relative to base 30. This enables a user to positiondisplay 38 to the optimal position for viewing.

Referring generally to FIG. 3, the display enclosure 32 is secured tothe base 30 by two hinge assemblies 40. Each hinge assembly 40 has afirst member 42, a second member 44, and a clutch assembly 46. The firstmember 42 is secured to the display enclosure 32 and the second member44 is secured to the base 30. In this embodiment, threaded fasteners 48are used to secure the first and second members to the display enclosure32 and base 30, respectively. However, other techniques for securing thefirst and second members to the disclosure 32 and base 30, respectively,may be utilized.

Each hinge assembly 40 is configured so the first member 42 is pivotallysecured to the second member 44, enabling the display 38 to pivotrelative to the base 30. The clutch assembly 46 controls the amount offriction that is produced between the first and second member duringpivotal movement of the display 38. Friction between the first andsecond members is used to hold the display 38 at a desired angularposition relative to the base 30.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the hinge assemblies 40 have a high-frictionmode of operation and a low-friction mode of operation. In thehigh-friction mode, the friction between the first member 42 and thesecond member 44 maintains the display enclosure 32 securely positionedat any angular position relative to base 30. In the exemplaryembodiment, the high-friction mode is the normal mode of operation ofthe hinge assemblies 40. The low-friction mode is initiated tofacilitate repositioning of the display enclosure 32 relative to thebase 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the low-friction mode is initiated byactuating a clutch operator 50 located on the display enclosure 32. Theclutch operator 50 may be a sliding switch, a push button, etc., that iscoupled to the clutch assembly 46. When clutch operator 50 is actuated,the clutch assembly 46 reduces the friction between the first member 42and the second member 44 enabling the display 38 to be repositioned moreeasily.

The two modes of operation provide an additional benefit in that thefriction between base 30 and display enclosure 32 can be made greaterthan would normally be feasible. The higher friction enables the displayenclosure 32 to be more securely maintained in a desired position.Normally, high friction between display enclosure 32 and base 30 makesit difficult for the display enclosure 32 to be repositioned, or atleast be repositioned easily. However, because the hinge assembly can beplaced in a low-friction mode during repositioning, higher frictionbetween the base 30 and display enclosure 32 can be utilized.

Referring generally to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of one exemplaryhinge assembly 40 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, anelectromagnetic coil 52 is used to operate the clutch assembly 46. Afirst threaded fastener 54 and a second threaded fastener 56 secure thecoil 52 to second member 44. Electricity is supplied to coil 52 byelectrical wiring 58 extending from inside the base 30. The wiring maybe routed to coil 52 in a variety of ways, such as through hingeassembly 40.

In the illustrated embodiment, a portion 60 of the second member formsan axle to enable the first member 42 to rotate about the second member44. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, a beveled washer 62 isdisposed between a flanged portion 64 of the first threaded fastener 54and a generally flat washer 66 is disposed between the beveled washer 62and the first member 42.

The hinge assembly 40 is configured so that the beveled washer 62normally applies a force to drive the flat washer 66 against the firstmember 42 and, subsequently, to drive the first member 42 against thesecond member 44. The force of the first member 42 abutting against thesecond member produces friction between the inner surface 68 of thefirst member 42 and the outer surface 70 of the second member 44 duringthe high-friction mode of operation. The force of the beveled washer 62also produces a gap 72 between the flat washer 66 and the coil 52 duringthe high-friction mode of operation.

In this embodiment, the flat washer 66 is comprised of a metallicmaterial. When clutch operator 50 is activated, electric power isapplied to coil 52. A magnetic field is produced by coil 52 thatattracts the flat washer 66 towards coil 52 as illustrated in FIG. 5.The attractive force produced by the coil 52 is greater than the forceproduced by the beveled washer 62, driving the flat washer 66 towardscoil 52, as represented by the arrows 74. The flat washer 66 closes thegap 72 between flat washer 66 and coil 52, compressing the beveledwasher 62 and producing a gap 76 between the flat washer 66 and thefirst member 42. Consequently, the force driving first member 42 againstsecond member 44 is removed.

When the movement of flat washer 66 produces a gap 78 between the firstmember 42 and the second member 44, there is no friction producedbetween the inner portion 68 of first member 42 and outer portion 70 ofsecond member 44 during movement of display 38. However, even if theinner and outer portions remain in contact, the frictional forceproduced between the first and second members is reduced when the forceof the beveled washer 62 acting on the first member 42 is removed,making pivotal movement of display 38 easier.

By way of example, the first member 42 and second member 44 arecomprised of a light-weight plastic material. Alternatively, a portionof the first member 42 may be comprised of a metallic material so thatthe magnetic field generated by coil 52 pulls the first member 42 awayfrom the second member 44 to produce gap 78 between the first and secondmembers. Alternatively, the flat washer 66 may be secured to the firstmember 42 so that the first member 42 is moved with the flat washer 66.

Referring generally to FIG. 6, clutch assembly 46 also may bemechanically operated. In the illustrated embodiment, hinge assembly 40has a threaded member 80, a movable member 82, and a spring 84. Thethreaded member 80 is affixed to the second member 44. Threaded member80 also has a hollow interior 86 to house a cylindrical portion 88 ofthe movable member 82. The moveable member 82 also has a flanged portion90.

Spring 84 is secured to fixed member 80 and movable member 82 andapplies a force to pull flanged portion 90 against first member 42,forcing first member 42 against second member 44 and producing frictionbetween first member 42 and second member 44. In the illustratedembodiment, the clutch operator 50 is mechanically coupled to a cam 92.When the clutch operator is activated, it causes the cam 92 to rotate.As the cam 92 is rotated, the cam 92 drives the movable member 82linearly. In this view, cam 92 is illustrated in the high-friction mode.The cam is oriented in a first orientation 94 in the high-friction mode.

Referring generally to FIG. 7, when operator 50 is actuated, cam 92 isrotated to a second orientation 96, driving the surface of cam 92against the cylindrical portion 88 of movable member 82. The forceapplied by cam 92 drives movable member 82 linearly to the left in thisview, as illustrated by the arrows 98, producing a gap 100 between theflanged portion 90 and first member 42 and reducing the friction betweenfirst member 42 and second member 44. A gap 102 may be produced betweenfirst member 42 and second member 44. However, regardless of whether agap 102 is produced between first member 42 and second member 44,friction is reduced between first member 42 and second member 44.

It will be understood that the foregoing description is of preferredembodiments of this invention, and that the invention is not limited tothe specific forms shown. For example, a spring may be utilized ratherthan a beveled washer in an electrically operated clutch. These andother modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of theelements without departing from the scope of the invention as expressedin the appended claims.

1. A system, comprising: a base; a display coupled to the base, suchthat the display is rotatable relative to the base about an axis ofrotation; a clutch disposed at the axis of rotation, wherein the clutchis engageable to resist rotation of the display relative to the baseabout the axis of rotation; and an operator coupled to the clutch andactuatable by a single hand of a user to facilitate simultaneousdisengagement of the clutch and rotation of the display relative to thebase about the axis of rotation, wherein the operator is mounted to thedisplay at a position offset from the axis of rotation.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the operator comprises a switch having first and secondpositions, the first position having the clutch engaged to provide afull resistive force against rotation of the display relative to thebase, and the second position having the clutch disengaged tosubstantially remove all of the resistive force.
 3. The system of claim1, comprising a computer system having the base, the display, theclutch, and the operator.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the systemis a portable computer.
 5. An electronic device, comprising: a rotatabledisplay having an axis of rotation; a rotational resistance mechanismcoupled to the rotatable display to provide a resistive force againstrotation of the rotatable display about the axis of rotation; and aresistance release coupled to the rotational resistance mechanism andengageable at a position offset from the axis of rotation, wherein theresistance release is disposed at an edge of the rotatable displayopposite from the axis of rotation.
 6. The electronic device of claim 5,comprising a component housing coupled to the rotatable display at theaxis of rotation.
 7. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein therotational resistance mechanism comprises a clutch mechanism.
 8. Theelectronic device of claim 5, wherein the resistance release isswitchable between first and second positions, the first position havingall of the resistive force, the second position substantially removingall of the resistive force.
 9. A method of providing an electronicdevice, comprising: providing a rotatable display having an axis ofrotation; providing a rotational resistance mechanism coupleable to therotatable display to provide a resistive force against rotation of therotatable display about the axis of rotation; providing a resistancerelease coupleable to the rotational resistance mechanism and engageableat a position offset from the axis of rotation; and mounting theresistance release at an edge of the rotatable display opposite from theaxis of rotation.
 10. The method of claim 9, comprising providing acomponent housing coupleable to the rotatable display at the axis ofrotation.
 11. The method of claim 10, comprising assembling therotatable display with the component housing.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein providing the rotational resistance mechanism comprises mountinga clutch mechanism at the axis of rotation.
 13. The method of claim 9,wherein providing the resistance release comprises providing amechanical operator that is switchable between first and secondpositions, the second position substantially removing all of theresistive force to facilitate rotation of the rotatable display aboutthe axis of rotation.
 14. A method of operating an electronic device,comprising: engaging a rotational resistance mechanism about an axis ofrotation of a rotatable display to oppose rotation of the displayrelative to a base portion; and switchably releasing the rotationalresistance mechanism in response to user actuation of an operatormounted at a position offset from the axis of rotation and coupled tothe rotational resistance mechanism, wherein switchably releasingcomprises electrically disengaging the rotational resistance mechanism.15. The method of claim 14, wherein engaging the rotational resistancemechanism comprises actuating a clutch mechanism to resist rotation ofthe rotatable display.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein switchablyreleasing comprises mechanically disengaging the rotational resistancemechanism.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein switchably releasingcomprises substantially removing a resistive force provided by therotational resistance mechanism.
 18. The method of claim 14, whereinswitchably releasing comprises simultaneously releasing the rotationalresistance mechanism and rotating the rotatable display about the axisof rotation with a single hand of a user.
 19. A method of providing anelectronic device, comprising: providing a rotatable display having anaxis of rotation; providing a rotational resistance mechanism coupleableto the rotatable display to provide a resistive force against rotationof the rotatable display about the axis of rotation; and providing aresistance release coupleable to the rotational resistance mechanism andengageable at a position offset from the axis of rotation, whereinproviding the resistance release comprises providing an electricaloperator that is switchable between first and second positions, thesecond position substantially removing all of the resistive force tofacilitate rotation of the rotatable display about the axis of rotation.